Darien, CT – Vanessa Vence-Small, 50, of New Windsor, New York, is facing up to two decades in federal prison after admitting to a brazen scheme to steal $1.1 million from Continental BMW. The former controller of the dealership confessed to wire fraud in New Haven federal court on Thursday, bypassing a grand jury indictment.
Between October 2014 and June 2017, Vence-Small systematically siphoned funds from Continental BMW, using her position to mask the theft. Court documents reveal she executed 65 unauthorized electronic transfers, totaling $904,659.29, directly into her personal American Express account. It wasn’t just electronic transfers; Vence-Small also penned 28 checks, worth $207,777.78, drawn from the dealership’s accounts.
These weren’t business expenses. The pilfered funds were used to cover Vence-Small’s personal debts, including credit card bills, home renovations, and even the purchase of a vehicle from a rival dealership. Further compounding the fraud, she racked up an additional $31,452.08 in unauthorized charges and reimbursements on company accounts – a clear abuse of her financial authority.
The U.S. Secret Service, in conjunction with the Darien Police Department and the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, untangled the complex web of transactions, bringing Vence-Small’s scheme to light. While the investigation is complete, the legal reckoning is far from over.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer has scheduled sentencing for May 24, 2018. Vence-Small could face a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $2.3 million, and is ordered to pay full restitution to Continental BMW. Currently, she remains free on a $100,000 bond, a temporary reprieve before facing the consequences of her actions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen is prosecuting the case, ensuring Vence-Small is held accountable for the significant financial damage inflicted on the dealership. This case serves as a stark reminder that even those in positions of trust are not immune to prosecution when they choose to engage in criminal activity. The Department of Justice, District of Connecticut, confirmed the details of the plea.
Related Federal Cases
- Vanessa Vence-Small, Wire Fraud, NY 2024 · Virginia
- Carrie Caesar, CD Embezzlement, CT 2024 · Connecticut
- Rosemarie Colazzo, Embezzlement Scheme, Conn 2024 · Rhode Island
- Rebecca Block, Embezzlement and Tax Evasion, CT 2010-2013 · Rhode Island
- Thomas Malone, Embezzlement of Company Funds, CT 2024 · Connecticut
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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